HC Deb 01 June 1967 vol 747 cc233-4
5. Sir G. Nabarro

asked the Postmaster-General why he proposes to erect on the top of Bredon Hill, Worcestershire, a steel lattice tower, 80 feet high and 24 feet square at the base, which will be unduly prominent in an area of special scenic beauty; and, in view of the public protests for amenity reasons, whether he will seek an alternative site serving equivalent technical requirements without offending scenic and amenity considerations.

Mr. Edward Short

The tower is to enable more telephone circuits to be provided between Bristol and Birmingham. Its design is still under consideration. I expect it to be neither massive nor prominent but quite inconspicuous and no threat to the scenery and amenity of the area. I have been unable to find any position other than Bredon Hill that would be so satisfactory both technically and in enabling the tower to be concealed.

Sir G. Nabarro

We do not want this tower on Bredon Hill. Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the Bredons and the whole of the area around the Malverns is of special amenity value and landscape beauty, that no person is allowed to build a house in the area, including my constituents? Why should the right hon. Gentleman take unto himself a special position and defile this area of outstanding amenity and beauty?

Mr. Short

We shall not defile any area of outstanding beauty. What we are trying to do is to provide the country with an efficient system of telecommunications, which the previous Government never did.

Sir G. Nabarro

Put it somewhere else.

Mr. Short

There is only one other site which is technically possible. It is near Cheltenham and there would be an extra cost of £500,000. I repeat that the design is not yet settled. We are not obliged to get planning permission, but we intend to get planning clearance and, if the local authority asks for a public inquiry, we shall be happy to agree.

Sir G. Nabarro

Put the rotten tower somewhere else.